Robert Owen Research Paper

Early 19th century reformer Robert Owen, was viewed as a Utopian who wanted social changes in society. He stated that Man is a creature of circumstances and that we have the choice to make the world a better or worse place (Heilbroner, 66). Through engineered intentional communities, Economic and Social Utopias could form and provide a safe and productive space for its citizens. Utopias were communities where everyone had to work together and care for one another instead of being selfish and competing against one another like we see in a capitalistic society. Unlike Communists, Utopians wanted to persuade the rich to join them rather than destroy their class or use violence. Saint-Simon envisioned a utopia where people must be productive in order to benefit from society and its resources. This supports Owen’s idea of resolving poverty by creating work opportunities for the poor. These ideas of what creates a Utopia are important and can be applied to spaces that want to provide a working environment that helps others rather than pit them against each other for profit. Starbucks tries to mimic a space where there are certain rules that …show more content…
This attempt of resolving the poverty problem can be seen in Starbucks because it provides jobs when a new one opens. There are thousands of Starbucks worldwide and money is used to establish the relationship between consumers and producers (baristas) of coffee. This is different than a utopia because you are paying, through buying a beverage, for a space where you can feel at home while also being in public. While you are in Starbucks, you can keep to yourself and have a calm environment where your presence does not disrupt someone else’s experience. However, recent events have challenged this “third space” and caused many to question whether Starbucks or customers were in the wrong for what occurred in